Alan Pardew – Lots Of Positives But Still No Points

There were not very many positives to take out of the first half yesterday against Manchester City, , although Newcastle did start very fast for a change, and probably should have scored at least one goal with any luck, before our defense was unlocked for the first time with a lightning break by City to put them one goal up.

Alan Pardew – still no points from a good performance
And after the goal the Champions came right back into the game and dominated it and it was 2-0 at the break but could have been worse than that – but our lads came storming back in the second half, and we got a goal through Demba Ba, and then Ba and Cisse missed great opportunities to score, and if they had done that things may have been a bit different than our sixth loss in the last seven league games – the worst run of league ever by the Magpies in the Premier League..

But Alan Pardew seemed pleased with the great second half comeback:

“When you look at the game, as a manager, I would say we could have been 1-0 up. But then Manchester City produced what they can, unfortunately.” “They had a golden period when they scored and should have got a second. When they did score again, it was a killer.”

“We were just hanging in there during that period, but you have to say that after half-time we bossed it.” “To come out like that after going 2-0 down against the champions, shows great spirit.” “Demba Ba missed a great chance at 2-1. We had what was an even better chance for Cisse in the middle of the goal.”

“Had that gone in then this place would have gone mad.” “It was a game where we almost took the lion’s share.” “City went to a back five and you were thinking they were just hanging on but they nicked a third goal and that decided it in the end.”

“There were a lot of positives, but there are no points and that’s my biggest concern.

Next up next Saturday is QPR and the London team have been improving under new manager Harry Redknapp and won their first game yesterday 2-1 at home to Fulham.

And we can hardly afford not to win that game – a win and we’ll have some breathing space, but a defeat or draw and we’ll continue to be in big trouble.

Ed, yesterday was the best performance we have produced this season – how on earth can you say otherwise?

We played the League Champions; a team put together at a cost of something like £250 MILLION and by the time the final whistle went, they were hanging on and we looked the better team.

It was a huge improvement on previous performances and if we continue to play like we did yesterday, for the rest of the season, we will be comfortably in the top 10. Yes, we lost the game, but we performed like a team worthy of a place in the top 6; long may it continue.

If a manager is judged on perfirmances then our MD should be judge on his running of the club,if the funds that so many on here seem to think will be available in January materialize and Dirk Dastardly fails to get any players over the line and then gets Pards to announce the quality we already have in the building then he deserves to be sacked.

LEts wait and see your 4-5 players coming in i will be shocked if that happens. Simpson out jonas out lets be serious these 2 need to go elsewhere. There time is up at st james park lets not make this club a conference side we need quality case this is a quality club PERIOD.

Lots of positives, lots of bull. It’s his standard response. It’s rubbish because he does nothing about it, drop the players not performing,, the fans will point them out to you because you and your coaching staff don’t see the problem players.

Transfer,
Having probably never heard of Eden Hazard Dirk Llambias was probably unaware that Lille had received a sizable sum of money and were not desperate for cash as were Freiburg,he was probably unaware of their CL qualification as well.

Marveaux looked good once again when he came on yesterday. I know he played behind Ba but I don’t want see Jonas at LW. He isn’t good enough and deserves to be dropped. Marveaux has to start for me.
Anita, HBA, Ba and Marveaux all linking up sounds promising.

he has shown over the last few games that he is trying to play the ball rather than hoof, it, so for large parts of last season and all of this season, why the hoofing,
both williamson and simpson were in the team yesterday,,,

pardew insists on playing jonas, who is no use to anyone right now,, take your pick, both bigi and marv are better options,
jonas has now played LB LW RW AMC DMC AND front LEFT FORWARD, and for me his stint at LB was the only one he was any good at,, this is sad

pardew insists on playing cisse as a right winger, and he has no clue what to do there

this is not the players putting them selfs there ,,

both shearer and sir les both played in the same team,, but we had wingers feeding them,

wellington nem, Brazilian, 19 years old amazing player i’ve been watching him a few months now and he is like Eden Hazard and HBA, the only downfall to Nem is that he doesn’t speak english but he does speaks spanish like colo and jonas

Catchy,
You continually blame Pards for picking Willo and Simpson but due to Mashed and Dastardlys transfer dealings what choice does he have like I said yesterday the whole back four know they cannot be dropped no matter how they play this has instilled complacency and has had a detrimental effect on players performances.

Always amazes me how simpson and willo kops stick no matter what. It was colo and santon who were more at fault yesterday but people always jump on the scapegoats. Dont get me wrong willo is poor but simpson is a steady player and a good defensive foil for benny on the right side. The defence has been below par but i do think willo unsettles the others. We would be different team with saylor or another top centre half. I also think its the midfield we should worry about most. The defence looks bad but shouldnt have to soak up so much pressure if we retained the ball in centre of the park. Tiote been terrible, cabaye never started, and poor jonas looks a broken man. Cant help thinking the all the negative critisicm has shot his confidence. Always felt he was undervalued but no hiding hes now doing badly. His body language when he loses the ball is worrying and if we had options he should be taken out firing line – but we dont. I hate to be negative but we are right in a relegation dogfight and qpr game will define our season. Lose and we are in massive trouble as dont see many more points coming in over next few weeks with fixtures we have

@ black and white with an army. What source did you get wellington Nems release clause from?? I do believe on football manager you can get him for that price, whether you can call that a reliable source is a different question. But if he is as good as he is on there then, then a good buy indeed.

Colnado
Totally agree with you for twenty minutes in the second half against Fulham and Man City we have played the best football since we have come up. A bit more luck and better finishing we could have got a result.
Got to follow up against QPR
Like to see Marvo start against QPR
and the supporters in the Gallowgate responded to the Toons effort. Great atmosphere and some of the players responded when the final whistle went.
more of the same next Saturday but with a different result

Yeh I am more confident that I have been for a while. Heard the club is making much more of an effort than the last couple of windows as Ashley is worries about going down. He doesn’t even want to cut it close this time.

Not saying it will happen as llambias is the idiot in charge. But there is a very good chance we will bring in at least 2, possibly up to 4 though

Ahh right, well if they’ve mention the 3.5 mill clause then that would be a promising signing. After all we have been scouring South America recently and Ashley loves annoying other clubs triggering good old get out release clauses!

I would play Perch over Willo provided we are not playing a team like Stoke that have tall forwards. Perch is quicker, passes better and loves a tackle, Willo you would think at 6’3 would be a beast in the air however I have seen him outleaped by Moses not to mention he likes scoring own goals rather than goals for us. So Perch & Collo is our best partnership without Saylor IMO

If the club do not bring in new players in Jan that will improve us then we will go down.

I agree with comments that both Ba and Cisse can play together, the problem is they feed off scraps, we hardly ever get the ball to by line and whip it over.They both want to score and are getting in each others way. If only we could make more chances, not hoofball but to do this we need pace down the flanks! we dont have this and take too long to create which allows defenders to get back.
IMO

Yea I agree if one player was to leave it would be Ba. Its not like I want it to happen and will be heartbroken if he leaves but all these clauses makes me question his loyalty. I also fear our transfer nemesis Liverpool might rear their ugly heads and give Ba the wages he would like plus a nice pay day for his agent.

I thought we might open a book on exactly when no points trumps “lots of positives” and AP gets fired. Most likely around midnight in January 2nd, possibly as early as Saturday if QPR win at SJP, I would say latest around 6pm Saturday 12th after we have been beaten by Chris Hootoon’s Norwich. Bang bang Alan if the team won’y play for you you’re finished.

Charlie –
I’m looking to get my seats moved to the gallowgate, there are only a few left,
In the gallowgate west corner
And at the very back.
I’m sick of the non-existent atmosphere where I am, where do you think is the best place for a good atmosphere?

I see similarities in both players just like i did with Shearer and Ferd….We fed them two all day long and they got goals.

I genuinely believe Cisse would be the better finisher when confident as he is an impulsive striker rather than someone bearing down on the goal and rounding the keeper…He prefers the half chance (hope this makes sense).

Ba is scoring, he is doing well but i am sorry we are making a mistake here, he wont drop the clause and if he leaves in Jan we have ourselves to blame. Put him back on the left in a front three…..Cisse will score.

If he comes he’ll pick it up quickly. Your brain is more receptive to new languages if you know more than one anyway. Got a Russian Austrian boy in my class. Only been in England three weeks and already can speak English.

he has shown over the last few games that he is trying to play the ball rather than hoof, it, so for large parts of last season and all of this season, why the hoofing,
both williamson and simpson were in the team yesterday,,,

pardew insists on playing jonas, who is no use to anyone right now,, take your pick, both bigi and marv are better options,
jonas has now played LB LW RW AMC DMC AND front LEFT FORWARD, and for me his stint at LB was the only one he was any good at,, this is sad

pardew insists on playing cisse as a right winger, and he has no clue what to do there

this is not the players putting them selfs there ,,

both shearer and sir les both played in the same team,, but we had wingers feeding them,

Or anyone else for that matter –
What’s the atmosphere like in the gallowgate on a typical match game? I can hear the strawberry corner normally from where I sit, but what’s the rest of the gallowgate like now? I sat there quite a lot when I was younger and loved it.

I’m looking at either the very back or the west corner (on the other side of the strawberry corner) any ideas?

“Let’s face it, we had an awful start to the season. We all blamed it on a shaky pre-season, players not being match fit, not being able to play the same team due to injuries and suspensions- particularly in our back five, luck, Europa league, whatever. Basically, our first 14 games of the season we have been pants for the most part. Some games were promising, some games had some decent performances in, but we still weren’t winning.

The last few games, probably stoke, Wigan, Fulham, man citeh, has seen us play football that is probably of a better standard than what got us to fifth last season. The problem is we have the mentality that we have lost the last 4 or we haven’t win in ten, or we are two points from the telegation zone. That is detrimental to us. The fans get restless, the players and manager get restless, and most importantly,
The players push higher and higher up the pitch looking for goals and wins, we leave ourselves massively exposed to counter attacks and defensive mistakes. I think the winning goal In every one of our last matches has came from a counter attack. That is the problem. We need to have a belief that we are good enough to win games, good enough to draw against citeh at home. Because yesterday, we were, and if we had kept organised and persevered, we would have scored again. But our players got desperate. This isn’t down to Pardew IMO, as he is normally very good setting the defence up, but the players themselves. We can all see that they want to win as much as we do, but we just need to go into a match with the mindset that we are able to score goals, good goals, and we just need to keep calm.”

That says exactly what I think the problem is at the moment. That’s all that matters.

Conaldo. I would say Gallowgate or level 7 of the leazes west end in the singing corner . However the likehood of you getting a ticket in singing corner is minimal. I’ve been to a few matches in the Gallowgate end and the fact that the roof of the stand is so close to where you sit, the atmosphere sounds mint at times. Everywhere else is a bit drab, hope that helps

Conaldo
Second half yesterday when he crowd responded to the toons display – best it’s been this year.
I sit 3/4 the way back to the right of the goals looking towards the pitch. Gates 60/61 our ticket turnstiles – easiest to get in.

I 100% agree with you about your comment if playing it tighter, we have very good wide players that couldn’t cross a road fgs but everyone insists in 433 when the wingers are the most important players on the park but we can’t score from crosses if our lives depended on it!

I like 4312 central which I think we would be very good at with our most creative (ben arfa) player given a free role behind the 2 strikers, with a similar full back to santon on the opposite side allowing us to exploit the wings with fullbacks, this allows for the 2 defensive midfielders (tiote and anita) on either side of a midfielder that pulls the strings (cabaye), to cover for fullbacks bombing forward which offers us the width required when opportunity to counter arises, we look so much more fluid going through the middle with the class we have allowing Ben arfa to open teams up from behind the strikers.

Cisse was exceptional last season playing off the shoulder of the last defender, playing to wings will not get the best out of him, it’s his alertness to through balls that got him so many opportunities last season.

How many headers have been scored from open play? I would bet not that many which begs the question on why we insist on relying on wingers when our creativity is all through the middle?

Krul to be kind. I have no doubt that 4-3-1-2 is the only answer left to Pardew now. It’s also the formation Keegan used to avoid relegation – knowing he had 3 undroppable strikers in Owen, Viduka and Martins and no one who could cross a ball. It worked a treat..

4-3-1-2 won’t solve individual players form overnight, but that’s not really our main problem as I see it.. the problem with the current formation is that if certain players don’t perform well – it undermines the efficiency of the whole team as it’s built around them.

Best players in NATURAL positions and wait for the wins to come. If Pards can finally see this – our fortunes will start to change.

The lack of summer spending, issues about Williamson/Guti etc, etc. are not really the main problem – it’s just something to say to keep people busy on here. Massive red herrings.

BelfastMagpie.You are right.We chased shadows before Nasri went out.They had a lot of chances for goal.And our luck is not to lose with more goals in our net.My biggest fear is that our team looks disoriented and reminds me on relegation year.Our players work hard,want to win the game but simply we are disoriented.Last year we were stable.We won every head jump in front of our goal.But this year is something different.We will hope for better.

Cheers lads.
I’ve narrowed it down to the back of block R, upper gallowgate (looking from the pitch it’s the top left of the gallowgate) or the south west corner, (the one that joins to the mil burn stand.

I think the atmosphere in Block R will be better, so will probably go for their. How well can you see the other goal? I know it won’t be as good as I can see both now, but can you still see what’s going on?

Boater ,
Have to disagree on that one mate,although the lack of signing can’t be the only reason for our predicament we find ourselves in I believe that the lack of competion for places has had a huge impact on performances,its very possible that something has happened behind the scenes that has disrupted the dressing room something unless you have inside knowledge are unlikely to find out.

If we are going to play 4312 we need a new rb who brings that attacking quality and can cross.
Simpson is so poor and teams can double up on HBA as Simpson is not a threat. Debuchy needs to be brought in come January! Allowing Tiote and Anita to hold Cabaye to push forward and our wing backs to stretch teams out wide. I think with Anita now hitting form himself Cabaye and Tiote will work wonders…Anita and Cabaye switching up between who pushes and who stays!

That also gives us the option for 433 and 442, need to keep the ball on the deck with the talented footballers we have. HBA needs that free role like Ronaldo used to have at UTD makes him so much harder to be picked up
!

If we are going to play 4312 we need a new rb who brings that attacking quality and can cross.
Simpson is so poor and teams can double up on HBA as Simpson is not a threat. Debuchy needs to be brought in come January! Allowing Tiote and Anita to hold Cabaye to push forward and our wing backs to stretch teams out wide. I think with Anita now hitting form himself Cabaye and Tiote will work wonders…Anita and Cabaye switching up between who pushes and who stays!

That also gives us the option for 433 and 442, need to keep the ball on the deck with the talented footballers we have. HBA needs that free role like Ronaldo used to have at UTD makes him so much harder to be picked up

I’m still optimistic (hopefully not blindly!) about this season, we have tried to evolve from last season but it has failed due to the board blindly ignoring essential fundamentals such as ‘back up’ if 442 isn’t working and 433 isn’t working we just flit between them both with no other tactical variant being used, I just want to see something being done about our poor form, so if different things are being tried to combat our issues.

In essence I’m trying to highlight that there is an awful lot more to football formations than a 442 or 433, and the worrying thing for me is pardews reluctance to vary the formation to get it right, I’m a big advocater of Pardew and don’t want him sacked, but would love to see more variance in formation, pardew seems to 2 dimensional at the moment regarding tactics.

With the current personel I would replace cabaye with perch and swap Anita into the dictator role and have perch as dm covering Jonas as and when (or if!) he attacks, santon on the right is more a fit as I think he cuts in too much on the left leaving leaving us vulnerable on the counter, he is much stronger on his right too and looks reluctant to cross from the left.

The main point I’m trying to make about the formation is it is square pegs in square holes, the only player not playing his natural position is jonas, who has showed this year that he is better defensively than going forward.

TBH, the second half (before YAYA’s goal) is the best performance I saw this season.After 17 games, when every one is fit, we should stick to this formation (4-2-3-1) like todayKrulSanton Taylo Colo JonasTiote PerchAnita Cabaye HBABaSimpson (pls get rid of him in Jan, he seems lost the ambition , see his reaction in their 2nd goal)Santon + Anita = play the same side (Antia is so energetic !! see his run back to chase Auguro ??)Anita is soooo good , his passing is calm and clever in one touch.Santon can go forward with 2DMF + Anita coverJonas + HBA = play the same side , HBA actually didnt need fullback to help. (actually when simpson go forward, he often block HBA’s lane XD)Jonas is by far better defender than young ferguson. and also Colo can always the LB position. Jonas is no good at running forward , but still working fair on def.Tiote starts playing well.Perch deserves a start, he is very calm on passing and wont hoof it. he keeps think simple and help def a lot.Cabaye is the best passer in our team. He can lead the high pressure on the front field.Ba= very very handful for opponent , looks good. should play sole ST and rotate with Cisse.sub :Cisse = i think he plays good today, hold ball and passing. He made Clincy looks lost all time. Juz he misses a great chance today.Marva = he is classy player, if he work harder , he can be a starter soon. play Cabaye ‘s role(AMC) and Cabaye can be a DMFBigi = a good sub for perch/ tiote when they are yellow cardedObertan = a squad player to sub HBA/ Anita on either wing. he is lightening quick, jus keep things simple suit himWillo = cover for CBAmeobi = sub for 10-15 mins for holding ballTBH, i think our yound players like Sammy , Ferguson, Vuckic, Abeid , Gosling , Ranger, Amilfantion …… etc etc is really cannot step in the PL now (as AP said) , i think they growth slowly than I imagine.

TBH, the second half (before YAYA’s goal) is the best performance I saw this season.After 17 games, when every one is fit, we should stick to this formation (4-2-3-1) like today
Krul
Santon Taylo Colo Jonas
Tiote Perch
Anita Cabaye HBA
Ba

Simpson (pls get rid of him in Jan, he seems lost the ambition , see his reaction in their 2nd goal)Santon + Anita = play the same side (Antia is so energetic !! see his run back to chase Auguro ??)Anita is soooo good , his passing is calm and clever in one touch.Santon can go forward with 2DMF + Anita cover

Jonas + HBA = play the same side , HBA actually didnt need fullback to help. (actually when simpson go forward, he often block HBA’s lane XD)Jonas is by far better defender than young ferguson. and also Colo can always the LB position. Jonas is no good at running forward , but still working fair on def.

Tiote starts playing well.
Perch deserves a start, he is very calm on passing and wont hoof it. he keeps think simple and help def a lot.

Cabaye is the best passer in our team. He can lead the high pressure on the front field.

Ba= very very handful for opponent , looks good. should play sole ST and rotate with Cisse.

sub :Cisse = i think he plays good today, hold ball and passing. He made Clincy looks lost all time. Juz he misses a great chance today.Marva = he is classy player, if he work harder , he can be a starter soon. play Cabaye ‘s role(AMC) and Cabaye can be a DMFBigi = a good sub for perch/ tiote when they are yellow cardedObertan = a squad player to sub HBA/ Anita on either wing. he is lightening quick, jus keep things simple suit himWillo = cover for CBAmeobi = sub for 10-15 mins for holding ballTBH, i think our yound players like Sammy , Ferguson, Vuckic, Abeid , Gosling , Ranger, Amilfantion …… etc etc is really cannot step in the PL now (as AP said) , i think they growth slowly than I imagine.

Lots of positives and no points. At least we have the solidity of continuity. 8 more years until the promised land is reached. A cup win after 4 and the title after 8. Come on Alan, prove the doubters wrong!!!!

newcben – totally agree about Debuchy. I think if you look at the players we were going for (anita and debuchy) there was a suggestion we were looking to play with attacking fullbacks and 3 in midfield. Debuchy coming in would allow us to flourish in this formation.

Golden rule – play your best players in their natural positions. You won’t win every week, or maybe even emulate last season’s results but at the moment we are seeing a formation in which players are out of position.

JFA – I’m never that sure about the ‘lack of competition’ argument. Not saying I disagree, just that it’s a hard to judge from afar.. it possibly applies to the mentality of some types, but not all. We have more competition this season than last (marginally) but it didn’t seem to affect performances

I wasn’t sure about where we were in the table when Hooks got sacked and after seeing him get Norwich to seventh I Googled iy and found an article on who the next manager would be and as a pi$$ take Curbishly and Parts were mentioned,lo and behold.

Krul – “The main point I’m trying to make about the formation is it is square pegs in square holes, the only player not playing his natural position is jonas, who has showed this year that he is better defensively than going forward.”

This is spot on the money. There is a difference of opinion as to what extent we can really blame formation on our complete collapse – a hard working, positive team will pick up points no matter what roles they are asked to play. But arguably we have a team of technical types who are being hamstrung too often.

Cisse is out of position, Perch is out of position and Jonas is out of position. Arguably Ben Arfa is too when he comes back. I like to see him work hard, but dribbling past two players in his own half is embarrassing waste of talents, that should be happening in the final third – leading to an assist, not a sideways pass to Tiote 40 yds from our own goal.

Hi everyone, just got a chance to peg down a few thoughts about yesterday after all the dust has settled.

Williamson – didn’t do an awful lot wrong and that against the mighty Citeh! Ok, he got ‘megged for the last goal but so did tim and jonas, it was a freakily awful goal all round, and Simpson’s wayward display was rounded off by the way he allowed that attack to build up anyway. Willo was quite the opposite of the ‘championship’ ‘donkey’ thten, so that begs the question – what makes him awkward some games, but pretty impressive in others? Its our defence collectively. Santon – the votes cast him high, higher than Willo, while I agree that his wing display was prety good, and could have scored had he not chosen the poor near post option, his primary function at times was abandoned – in fact, he lost us 2 of the three goals full stop. We need to look at why we get done down the sides, and in the left side why is it exactly that Jonas is suffering, why is it that santon is flattering to deceive with sparkling runs and wing interplay? Its because they are both confused as to where they ought to be. our left side is a mess and someone needs to get a grip as to who plays where and how they overlap.

Cisse on the wing, actually his hold up play was good and thanks to the tireless anita (MoM easily for both sides for me although sky typically drooled over the touore’s) helping him out. But Cisse is only on the wing because we have absolutely no choice, so no complaints although it was less than satisfactory.

Ba – Still has a pretty lousy touch at crucial times, and could have put cisse through a couple of times, notably his selfish last long shot on goal when cisse was clean through. Good goal though, but indifferent otherwise. I am warming to the idea of him going and cisse getting his spot when HBA is back.

Ameobi – ok, but nothing more than expected for how long he was on. Marveaux – deserved to be on longer for the weirdly erratic Tiote – all over the place and pushing forward like a crazy man, but still wayward in crucial areas (unforgiveable for his position) and the ‘Shoot!’ joke has to stop, his shots are a complete waste. I think if Marveaux had a full half we would have got our goals, I know, I know, i have been saying he is still untested, but yesterday I sensed he was up for it, lost it once when caught on the ball but some confident runs and crosses showed promise.

Jonas- neither god nor bad but I could hear some boo boys around me which was shameful, he did not jeopardise our game, put in some good balls which were not anticipated well enough most of the time, and won FK’s. A note on this – someone suggested his winning FK’s was a waste of time because we do nothing with the set pieces anyway – as if that is Gutierrez’s fault ha ha what a stupid statement to make! I am sure there are a lot of managers who would like an accomplished Argentinian (best there are) faller-over in their team! I’ve said it before – Jonas’ problems are interlinked with Santon’s and whoever we might tack onto the forward left side of a 4-3-3. It wasnt a problem with Raylor because Raylor stayed put and did his job apart from FK’s and at this he is better by a very long way than Santon. Ditch the glamour push Davide and learn your primary craft first, you might not think it, but you are the hole on our left side, and you are making others look bad. Cue vitriolic abuse.

All in all, the most enjoyable loss I have witnessed in a long time, I predict QPR to be the team that will suffer the full wrath of our injured and hurt pride. It will be a bloodbath for them ha ha.

When you lose 7 out of 8.. trying to be logical here, there is an overriding, endemic problem. I’m not saying I don’t want a better partner for Colo brought in, or that Jonas is out of form or whatever smaller details seemed to be raised on here. There is a wider problem, which as I can see starts with the issue of the front 2 and that has led to problems in midfield.

A lot is talked about our feeble defense. I don’t think we are actually conceding an outrageous amount,, the amount you would expect when the opposition susses our total lack of goal threat at the other end.

Anita’s form is a huge bonus. Him, Guti and Tiote across midfield with a front two and either Marv or Arfa in the whole (and not blooming tracking back) is the solution to the most number of tactical issues Pards faces.

Im glad to see Anita getting a lot of praise after a few people had him written off,Id never seen him play as I don’t watch a lot of overseas football,but I remember when we first signed listening to Total sport on radio Newcastle and this old bloke who sounded like he really knew his football had watched twelve Ajar games on ESPN last year and this guy absolutely raved about him described him as a terrier whocold put a pass anywhere on the field,so I had a feeling he would come good.

It sticks out like a sore thumb where the problem lies. If Pardew wants to blame Cisse and the midfield then fair enough, but when, you lose 7 out of 8 and have scored in most of those games, it is painfully obvious that our defence is beyond shocking.

Santon has been one of our best this season, going forward he is great. But defensively they have all been average at best and in some cases awful.

We have the makings of good team, but if we add a good RB, and a cracking CB, we will instantly win the games we should against average teams.

In JAnuary I would like to keep everyone including Demba, add the 2 defenders and Sissoko. If he signs we will have the drive we have missed in CM.

We are 3 players and around £15 million from being a very very good team/squad. Would love to see a CB like Shawcross come in. He would be ideal, or if not Sakho, M’biwa, would all be good.

A few rumours emerging again regarding Pieters. If he came then Santon moves to RB. That would be fine too.

Charlie – that’s what I did for the previous Europa league games, just I didn’t sit in gallowgate upper. It’s more the atmosphere I’m bothered about, which you cant get a real idea of with EL games, but anywhere will be better than where I am now.
Cheers for your help anyway.

sirtoongospel – I couldn’t disagree more. The reason we are conceding so many is because we are incapable of mounting a passage of attacking play and relinquishing possession in central midfield every 2 or 3 minutes.

A better more startling question – the obvious one to me at least – how have we managed to create next to no clear chances in 8 games (until cisse’s one on one yesterday)?

It’s part of our heritage – like a psychological faultline – to immediately blame the defense. I don’t believe the same defensive four that took us to 5th last season have overnight become completely useless. They could be improved upon individually yes, but 7 losses in 8? There is a bigger problem.

Conaldo – I sit in section c corner of ggate, but further round to my right is where the noise is mostly. S I would say behing the gate goal and the further up and right (looking at the back of the goal) you go but before the corner, is the noisiest, constant foot-stomping, non-stop singing at the back. Can get noisy where I am, the bigger the game is better, but generally we seem to be a bit more reserved until the going gets tough ha ha. Wish they would sing more but its a sign of the times I suppose.

By the way I dont suppose anyone cares but for stupid reasons I bought 2 tickets for guests as a treat, the guests went to the game but my two lads (ST holders) couldnt at the last minute – so £80 thrown in the bin lol. And we got beat. It does not get any better does it?

Conaldo you wanna be nearer the strawberry corner in the gallowgate and close up to the top. The noise often starts there and filters through the gallowgate. The fans have been a bit flat lately but the players raised there game in the second half and the fans responded, I love sitting back and looking around when we are in full voice, it’s nice to see and hear.

We saw yesterday and in previous week glimpses of what we can do, if we have worked on link up pass and play in training then it’s starting to pay off so keep at it. The Defense has been a shambles so they need to look back at the errors committed and keep plugging away. If we are looking to improve the starting eleven then we need to play our best players or replace them. When all our players are fit Steven Taylor needs to be in the team and cabaye, hba willl be and marvwaux will be knocking on the door. Our most techinical attacking players are cabaye, Anita, hba, marveaux, cisse and even Ba so we need to find a way to play our best technicially players. Sadly Jonas isn’t very technical but he is protected by his work wrhic and vice captaincy. It’s not a are of singling players out but looking for areas we can improve on firstly. Simpson, Williamson and Jonas are in those areas so they need addressing first.

If we keep up the pass and move for anwhole game then I believe we are an attacking full back and fast centre back short of a very strong technical eleven. I think a left footed full back would be better with santon switching sides. Santon, Anita, hba, marveaux, cabaye and colo will all link up very well. Playing cisse out on the right is a bad idea, he needs to e further forward as he is ineffective on the wing. He held the ball up well but we want him on the last man poaching. Both Ba and cisse are statiatically 1 goal 2 games strikers so we need to keep on providing the service for cisse, he was unlucky early on yesterday and should have scored at 2:1.

In an ideal world we sign the full back, centre back and also a backup striker different to the two we have. Diame and sissokko are excellent players but we have tiote, Anita, perch and bigi so is their room for him? They are both starters in my book so who drops out for them? It’s hard. Anita on current form is a starter, marveaux looks very good technically so he deserves a run in the side, cabaye will be back in there and so will hba, tiote always gets a game so it’s tricky to pick a midfield. Cannot see us signing more than two players unless they are cheap or someone leaves. Say we sign Debuchy for 6 million and pay him 2 mill a year, that’s 8 mill on those annual accounts if we then sign another Player they add the wages on again so I’m not expecting many faces unfortunately. We all want the new players so we are going to have to get rid of some of the fringe players in order to do so, Simpson looks the most likely.

Jail @117 – I got some stick off a complete nugget for suggesting that Anita needs to find his feet in the prem, I was told that players like Hazrd didnt so why should Anita! I didnt even bother to reply with a cost comparison………..

nick_9 – agree on your pass n move scenario – city chased a few shadows yesterday and not many teams have given them such a runaround this year. Sadly our defensive shape is all to pot, so when we lose it I am afraid that yesterday the goals came virtually on cue as I expected them.

Simmo now needs to go, as he has demonstrated no imprvemnet on the weaknesses that cost us last year. Willo strangely still has hope as part of a cohesive back 4 but I would prefer a non- injury prone Saylor with a good run. Santon, don’t care if he goes left or right, but we need another option to go forward so he stays in focus at the back more. If he played in front of HBA he would have to.

Boater I think the Defense has been very sloppy all season, we have had games were collo has been a shambles, Williamson likewise and the same with Simpson and santon. Each of them has cost us goals through poor errors or bad defending. Sadly our inability to retain possession probably gives the opposition more attempts to force our defenders into an error. This is why I would like to see us field out best technical players, even tiote has been a culprit for icing the ball away lately and he cost is a few times.

nick_9 – but no matter who we bring in, they will make defensive errors at some point. To single out individuals at the moment is missing the point. I agree Williamson could be upgraded – but it’s still missing the point we are very frail generally which exposes the weaknesses in the team, and this has its roots in the team’s tactical approach and of course mood. The fact we create no clear chances is a more startling concern if you ask me.

Boater, time after time this season we have been undone by a basic ball over the top. To concede goals as easily as we have done with a direct ball over the top or down the channel for a forward with reasonable pace is a joke.

The entire team is sh1tting itself at Willo’s lack of pace. Game after game we have been so negative in midfield because they are worried about what is happening at the back.

How you think a predominantly defensive midfield (which is definately what we have) can be a factor in us conceding so many is unfathomable.

A high line with as many attacking players in the opponents half is a succesful way to play. All the top teams get as high as they can when they have the ball. We cannot do it, because our CB is in slow motion. When we do try it we look like a decent team (yesterday for large spells is a prime example)
But as soon as the other team counter atacks we concede or look like conceding.

I just can’t believe that anyone who has watched us regularly can think that there is no issues with our defence. A good CB would immediately give the midfield confidence. I completely agree with the point about ball retention, and Tiote, Jonas and Ba are the worst culprits for hanging onto it too long and losing possession. But we have others who are very good technically. MArveaux and Anita are good to watch, Cisse is a quick thinker as is Cabaye and HBA is just a dream to watch. If we can add anothr good CM player (Sissoko?) and 2 good defenders I am convinced we will be a far better team but the defence is killing us. Against Stoke we were in total control until the CB’s single handedly lost us the game. The Fulham game was there to win and an error at CB cost us the game.
Yesterday I thought we were great, but lost to a very good team. There were improvements there but I can honestly see us battering QPR and losing 3-2, we are that loose at the back.

Surely if we signed 2 top defenders our midfield would thrive on having the extra confidence?

Boater agrees no player is immune from commiting errors but some are more peont to them. Do you think our attacking players looks as though it is getting better game by game though? I personally do, we seem to be playing some neat triangles in the past few games and that is with tiote still being a bit hit and miss plus hba and cabaye out injured. We are susceptible to giving the ball away cheaply and also inviting pressure by sitting back

Agree with that, our midfielders are more concerned about protecting the back four than helping out in attack. Anita has linked up very well up top lately and with hba and cabaye around him we could look dangerous. If the Defense cut the errors out or we reinforced it with signings then the burdens is eased on the midfield a bit. If we don’t sign the defensive players we need to combat where we are in the league then I am going I be very pi553d off with these accountants we have running the club

i think at full back we’re so weak. simpson wants to go to london so he’s nearer to his new bit of stuff, and santons positional sense is very poor. all three goals were gifts yesterday. frustrating, i thought our widfield and strikers played well though. the system looked good to be fair to pardew.

Agreed Nick finshng 5th soon must have given us a few mllion more than was expected. He underspent massively yet again. I just hope that Ashley has been saving up for 1 awesome window!!!

Bit like not going on holiday for years and then going on a world cruise!!! lol!!!

By the way from what i have seen, Cisse and Ba could make it work, but they can’t with 1 on the wing. Surely 4-3-1-2 (as loads have mentioned) is the way forward? We don’t have great wingers but we have lethal players.

——————————KRUL——————————

SIMMO————-WILLO—–COLO———-SANTON

———-ANITA———-TIOTE———MARV———–

—————————— HBA——————————-

——————–CISSE———-BA————————–

That team can win games. Cabaye for Tiote when he is fit and Cheick is at ACON. Perch or Jonas play and Marv replaces HBA while he is injured. But all in all we have a good side.

A top notch CB, RB and CM will cover all the bases for January. Obviously if Ba leaves we bring one in but hopefully he will stay. Don’t think he will though.

Sorry but u find it hard to blame santon for the first goal , if you look , colo is the one lagging behind, Simpson Wilo santon all had a good line,
For what’s its worth I think he expected aguero to head the second one, but he still should have got something on that,

The start of last season jonas helped cover, this season he is just on the pitch , for no reason attack or defend just vice captain

Catchy the first goal yesterday was a great goal. Toure’s pass was very very good.

I have more issues with the second one (free header). the second one against Fulham (free header), both Stoke goals (free headers leading to the goals) and countless others this season. Evra, O’Shea (Ba got final touch) were all from headers completely unchallenged. It’s a bravery thing. And hunger. We need aggression and a desire to get the first contact. But the smallest players on the pitch look lethal in the air against us.

“Surely if we signed 2 top defenders our midfield would thrive on having the extra confidence?”

Seriously mate, in the past 30 years I have supported the toon I have heard that comment every single season. It’s the first comment made by every supporter when things go badly. It’s true of course – but a defender that possesses the complete game, and makes practically no individual errors are in the single figures in Europe. We have one in Colo – and apart from Woodgate, it’s hard to think of a single defender we have had in the past that could be described as such.

Again, this is the same back 4 that took us to 5th, To suggest they have overnight become the reason we lost 7 in 8 games is completely illogical. I’m not saying we shouldn’t bring in a better partner for Colo, but it’s not the reason we have collapsed. The problems begin up front – and the defense is unable to cope with teams storming our fragmented midfield, which is trying to support a toothless attack.

Catchy at the game I thought it was santon fault but on the replay collo played everyone on by being a yard behind the other three defenders. Second goal was santons mistake and the third was a collective error. Williamson got tricked to easy and nobody tracked toure running into the box, too much ball watching.

I would like to think we have a good transfer kitty but I suspect they’re saving it for the summer or being too tight. It is essential we stay in the league and next year it’s heavily incentivised financially so we won’t rely on him as much for investment

Who asked for a defender that makes no mistakes? We just want an organised and consistent defence. And saying the problems start up front? That is the END PRODUCT of a team.

And this defence didn’t play the full season. Perch, Saylor and Raylor all had a major part to play.

If we had played a full season with Willo we would not have finished 5th. I think you are the only NUFC follower that thinks our defence is fine, and that by wanting a long running problem rectified, my opinion is wrong?

How many free headers and soft goals from long balls do we need to concede?

The policy that has seen us miss out on 2 or 3 players that would have undoubtedly seen us be in a better position in the league.

Lescott slower than our current CB’s? No way. Tayls is pretty quick, Colo isn’t, and Willo is growing roots.

Taylor has played a maximum 14 games for the last 6 seasons ( a stat someone posted on here the other day ) so based on that he cannot be relied on, and should be in the squad as cover. We need 2 CB’s to be honest, and if one wss on loan then where is the problem? Loan signing makes you look desperate? Silly statement when pretty much all the top teams have brought in loan players at one point or another.

TADS, I heard that we had shown interest in both him and Johan Djourou in the hope that Arsenal would let one or both go.

Could all be rubbish but who knows???

all i know is that we need defenders urgently, those who think we don’t cannot possibly be watching us play. Boaters comment that our “attacking midfield” pushing forward and getting opened up is ludicrous. All season we have ben negative and set up to stop other teams. It hasn’t worked because our defence is crap, and as a result we havent played very much attacking football.

I know football is all about opinion but saying we have a gung ho midfield is unreal.

I would rather miss out and wait for the correct player, than sign rejects, though. Look at Sunderland with O’Shea, Brown and Cuellar. What a mess that’s turned out to be. They have one good defender and that’s Rose…and guess what? He’s on loan. Meaning they’re in need of a full new back 4 when he goes off back to tottenham.

Back 4’s are based on consistency, bringing in loanee’s for fairly small segments of time is a bad move when looking to improve defensively.

Colo is blatantly quicker than Lescott!

Fair enough if the loanee was somebody like Raphael Varane or Junior Malanga, with the option to buy. That is rewarding.

(not saying we could ever get Varana by the way, cause we couldn’t, just an example)

i have been wondering if you bloggers want newcastle to play either 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 then what is the point of signing remy who is another player who favours playing as a lead strikerhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lo%C3%AFc_R%C3%A9my
now ok it does say he will play as a winger too but my point is why waste money on a secondry winger who would rather play as a out and out striker when we could spend the money on a winger who wants to be a winger
i will be happy for remy to join as i am start to find 4-4-2 is good enough for us as long as we stop using jonas as a winger and start playing marvo and in january bring a top class winger in.

sirtoongospel – What are we discussing here ? There are better defenders than Williamson ? Yes I agree totally. Or the question as to why have collapsed so dramatically of late- with an approximation of the same team that did pretty well not so long ago? You’re not barmy so I’m sure you can see they are separate points – but you’re not being logical at all.

If we’d had Kompany in defense we would be 3,4,5 against better off – I’ll give you 6, 7.. whatever. How would that change the fact we do not create clear chances in games for our strikers? The only goals we score are wondergoals and flukes.. no set pieces, no counter attacks and no passing through the defense.

In honor of two dedicated Newcastle fans, who lost their lives supporting Newcastle United.

Their passenger jet was shot down over Ukraine on Thursday July 17th, 2014 by rebels, as they were traveling to support the team in New Zealand.

We will never forget them.

Health Update - 4 Aug, 2016

The good news last week was that after more blood tests my PSA count is still undetectable

This means the prostate cancer is still under control, and there is no trace of it in the body.

Now to be even more vigilant so I can see the Rafa Benitez project come to its fruition over the next few years - wouldn't want to miss that.

Howay The Lads!!>

Ed Harrison

What Is A Football Club?

What is a club in any case?

Not the buildings or the directors or the people who are paid to represent it.

It’s not the television contracts, get-out clauses, marketing departments or executive boxes.

It’s the noise, the passion, the feeling of belonging, the pride in your city.

It’s a small boy clambering up stadium steps for the very first time, gripping his father’s hand, gawping at that hallowed stretch of turf beneath him and, without being able to do a thing about it, falling in love.